Security operatives who stormed the home of former Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami in the high-brow Maitama District of Abuja, the nation’s capital have continued to lay siege to the house. The operatives including those from the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC who are reportedly in the house for a search operation moved in on Monday shortly after a solidarity visit by former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar following his release from detention on bail
The operations are said to be linked to ongoing corruption investigations and alleged money laundering for which the former Minister has been in and out of custody.
The renewed probe may however not by unconnected to allegations that arms were discovered at Malami’s residence in Kebbi State during a recent search.
Some of the EFCC personnel stationed at the premises told AIT.live that journalists will not be allowed to gain entrance into the street on which the house is located as the search is still on going in the building.
One of the former Minister’s security guards, who pleaded anonymity, revealed to AIT.live that the security operatives barged into the premises, jumping the fence instead of passing through the gate of the house and when he questioned them for illegal accessibility, they allegedly manhandled him and seized his phone to delete some of the recordings he was able to make.
The EFCC had reportedly marked 41 properties, including residential buildings, hotels, and schools in Abuja, Kebbi, and Kano Stats, valued at over N212 billion, as part of an interim forfeiture order.
The embattled former AGF termed the actions as “political persecution” and a “violation of his rights,” claiming his homes were searched without his consent and without a valid court order.
Recently, Malami fulfilled bail conditions and was released before the latest incident, with reports now indicating that he faces a fresh investigation.
His party, the African Democratic Congress, ADC and others have reacted calling for due process, alleging that the actions against him are motivated by political differences ahead of the 2027 elections. The President Bola Tinubu administration has however denied the accusations.
(Editor: Terverr Tyav)
